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AP PHOTOS: 1957 Little Rock desegregation effort

The Associated Press

Posted:
01/21/2014 01:35:44 PM CST

Updated:
01/21/2014 01:35:44 PM CST

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Racial divisions within Little Rock's schools date to 1957, when President Dwight Eisenhower used federal troops to enforce a judge's order that all-white Central High School admit nine black students.

Gov. Orval Faubus triggered the tumult, saying he feared violence if races were allowed to mix in a public school. Violence did erupt when a white mob attempted to keep the black students from entering the school.

In the years since, Little Rock-area schools have been involved in lawsuits more often than not.

On Monday—five decades and $1 billion after the infamous racial episode—a judge ruled that Arkansas can stop making payments to three Little Rock-area school districts. But he cautioned work remained to ensure all students receive a proper education.